Trapped under nearly a half-mile of solid rock in a collapsed mine in Chile’s remote Atacama desert, 33 miners fight for survival, battling 95 degree heat, near-total darkness and — most dangerous of all — the risk of losing all hope of rescue. NOVA chronicles the miners’ 69-day ordeal and the heroic work of a global team of engineers who struggled tirelessly around the clock in a desperate bid to bring the trapped miners safely to the surface.

"Plan B" team celebrates
The program reveals the extraordinary feats of engineering that brought the miners to the surface, leading up to their astonishing rescue in a custom-made capsule barely 21 inches wide. “Emergency Mine Rescue” also explores the physical and psychological impact of the miners’ prolonged ordeal, revealing how strong leadership, the support of family and friends and unswerving faith in their ultimate rescue kept the miners from mental collapse.
A story of survival against the odds and faith in the face of despair, “Emergency Mine Rescue” gives viewers an unprecedented look at this triumph of technology and of the human spirit.
Tuesday at 8 p.m. on PBS-HD.
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